Samsung Galaxy A32 5G vs Apple iPhone 16 Plus - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date January 22, 2021 September 20, 2024
Release Year 2021 2024

Physical

Volume 113.71 cm³ 97.64 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.17 "/g 3.37 "/g
Weight 205 g 199 g
Height 164.2 mm 160.9 mm
Width 76.1 mm 77.8 mm
Thickness 9.1 mm 7.8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Awesome Black
  • Awesome White
  • Awesome Blue
  • Awesome Violet
  • Black
  • White
  • Pink
  • Teal
  • Ultramarine

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.7 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1290 x 2796
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.6 % 88 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 460 PPI
Refresh Rate 60 Hz N/A
Typical Brightness N/A 1000 nits
HBM Brightness N/A 2000 nits
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 104.12 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.97 mAh/cm³ 47.87 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 4674 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) Apple A18 (3 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz)
GPU Mali-G57 MC3 Apple GPU (5-core graphics)

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort

Software

Operating System Android iOS
Initial OS Version 11 18
Maximum OS Version 13

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A32 5GApple iPhone 16 PlusPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions164.2 × 76.1 × 9.1 mm160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mmA32 5G is taller and thicker, while the iPhone 16 Plus is wider. iPhone 16 Plus will feel slimmer and potentially more pocketable.
Weight205g199giPhone 16 Plus is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable during long usage.
Display
Size6.5"6.7"iPhone 16 Plus offers slightly more screen real estate, better for media consumption and multitasking.
Resolution720x16001290x2796iPhone 16 Plus has a much sharper display; text and images will look significantly clearer.
Pixel Density270 PPI460 PPIiPhone 16 Plus has higher sharpness, significantly reducing pixelation and appearing more detailed.
TechnologyTFT LCDOLEDiPhone 16 Plus will have richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast for a more visually appealing experience.
Refresh Rate60Hz60HzBoth phones will feel similarly smooth.
Brightness0 nits2000 nitsiPhone 16 Plus provides much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm)Apple A18 (3 nm)iPhone 16 Plus is significantly faster and more responsive. Apps will load quicker, multitasking will be smoother, and gaming will be greatly improved.
AnTuTu Score249,7201,753,018The iPhone 16 Plus has dramatically better performance, handling demanding tasks and future updates with ease.
GPUMali-G57 MC3Apple GPU (5-core graphics)iPhone 16 Plus will have a much better graphics performance, providing a smoother experience in graphic intensive tasks like gaming and video editing.
Camera
Main Camera48MP, f/1.8, 1/2", 0.8µm48MP, f/1.6, 1/1.3", 1.0µmiPhone 16 Plus will perform better in low light due to the larger sensor and wider aperture; overall better image quality.
Selfie Camera13MP, f/2.212MP, f/1.9iPhone 16 Plus selfie camera will have better low-light performance due to the wider aperture.
Wide Angle Lens8MP, f/2.212MP, f/2.2iPhone 16 Plus has a ultrawide lens which also serves as the macro lens.
Depth Sensor2MP, f/2.4N/AA32 has a depth sensor for portrait photos.
Macro Lens5MP, f/2.4N/AA32 has a macro lens for taking close up pictures.
Video Recording4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps4K@60fps with HDR, 1080p@240fps with HDRiPhone 16 Plus will capture more detailed and smoother videos with better stabilization and HDR.
Battery
Capacity5000mAh4674mAhA32 5G has a slightly larger battery, potentially providing slightly longer battery life.
Charging15W wired25W wired, 25W wirelessiPhone 16 Plus charges faster and has wireless charging.
Software
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to 13iOS 18iPhone 16 Plus has the latest OS version and can expect longer software support, and has better integration with other Apple products.
Connectivity
WiFiWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 6EiPhone 16 Plus has faster and more efficient Wi-Fi, improved performance on crowded networks
Bluetooth5.15.3iPhone 16 Plus supports the latest Bluetooth standard, potentially providing better connectivity and efficiency
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1), NavIC SystemiPhone 16 Plus will provide more accurate location services using more satellite systems.
SIMDual Nano SIMDual Nano SIM + eSIMiPhone 16 Plus offers the added flexibility of an eSIM, allowing for easier switching between carriers.
Storage
Internal Storage64GB/128GB128GB/256GB/512GBiPhone 16 Plus offers significantly more storage options, better for users who store a lot of media, or apps.
RAM4GB/6GB/8GB8GBiPhone 16 Plus has a good amount of RAM for smooth multitasking.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone offers expandable storage
Audio
Audio FeaturesDolby Atmos, Dolby Digital PlusDolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphonesiPhone 16 Plus offers enhanced audio with stereo speakers and better noise cancellation, providing a superior audio experience.
Security
FeaturesSide-mounted fingerprint sensorBasic security featuresA32 5G provides a convenient and secure biometric unlock, while the iPhone 16 Plus has basic security features.
Sensors
SensorsFingerprint, Accelerometer, ProximityAccelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, BarometeriPhone 16 Plus has additional sensors, helpful for navigation and other specialized applications.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Advantages:

  • Lower Cost: Likely to be significantly more affordable, appealing to budget-conscious buyers.
  • Larger Battery (Slightly): May offer slightly longer battery life for some users.
  • Fingerprint Sensor: Provides biometric security and an alternative to face unlock, preferred by some users.
  • Expandable Storage: Although it does not have expendable storage it has more options for internal storage.

Apple iPhone 16 Plus Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: A18 Chipset provides drastically better performance for all tasks.
  • Significantly Better Display: Higher resolution, OLED technology, and higher brightness deliver a superior visual experience.
  • Enhanced Camera: Larger sensor, wider aperture, and advanced video features for higher-quality photos and videos.
  • Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Convenient and faster charging options.
  • More Storage Options: Offers more storage space for media, games, and other files.
  • Latest Software: The latest iOS version with extended software support.
  • Superior Audio: Better audio quality with stereo speakers and noise-canceling microphones.
  • Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster and more efficient connections.
  • Additional Sensors: Features compass, gyroscope and barometer.
  • Ultrawide Lens: It has a ultrawide lens for wide picture taking.

Trade-offs:

  • The Samsung A32 5G compromises performance and display quality for affordability.
  • The iPhone 16 Plus sacrifices a bit of battery capacity, with no expendable storage.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Ideal User:

  • Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a functional smartphone at a lower price point.
  • Basic Smartphone Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, social media, and web browsing.
  • Users Who Prioritize Battery Life: Users who prioritize having more battery life.
  • Users who prefer Fingerprint Sensors: Users who prefer to use a fingerprint sensor for unlocking instead of face unlock.

Use Cases:

  • Everyday communication and social media browsing
  • Basic photography and video recording
  • Casual gaming
  • Users who prefer android.

Apple iPhone 16 Plus Ideal User:

  • Performance Enthusiasts: Users who want the best performance for gaming, content creation, and demanding tasks.
  • Photography & Videography Buffs: Those who value high-quality cameras with advanced features.
  • Media Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos and movies on a high-quality display.
  • Apple Ecosystem Users: Those already invested in the Apple ecosystem and appreciate seamless integration.
  • Users who prefer Apple Products: Users who are fans of Apple and its products and software.

Use Cases:

  • High-end gaming and video editing
  • Professional photography and videography
  • Viewing media with high visual fidelity
  • Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem
  • Users who like the iOS software.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions:

  1. What is your budget? The A32 5G will be considerably more affordable.
  2. What do you primarily use your phone for? Basic use vs. demanding tasks.
  3. How important is display quality and camera performance to you? These are major advantages for the iPhone 16 Plus.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Limited Budget & Basic Needs: If your budget is tight and you only need a basic phone for everyday tasks, the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is a suitable option.
  • Scenario 2: Performance, Camera & Display Priority: If you prioritize high performance, a premium display, and an excellent camera, the Apple iPhone 16 Plus is the clear choice.
  • Scenario 3: Balanced Needs: For users looking for a balance between price and performance, neither phone hits that sweet spot.

My Choice:

If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Apple iPhone 16 Plus. The significant differences in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities are too compelling to ignore, even if that comes at a higher price point. While the Samsung A32 5G offers some attractive features at a lower cost, the overall user experience provided by the iPhone 16 Plus would better suit my needs. The superior chipset ensures the device remains responsive and future-proof, the stunning display significantly enhances media consumption, and the impressive camera capabilities would greatly improve the quality of photos and videos. As someone who values speed, display clarity, and camera performance the iPhone 16 Plus would be the most suitable device.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.